2009 Press Releases
U.S. Consulate General and Al Quds University Host Youth Science Camp
July 08, 2009
Jerusalem
More than one hundred young Palestinians will spend ten weeks learning about biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, and the environment during the Al Quds University “Ibn Sina Extracurricular Enrichment Day Camp,” which began on June 13, 2009. The day camp is sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem through a grant by the Under Secretary of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.
Camp participants age 12-16 were selected from public middle schools in the Jerusalem governorate. During the camp, they will engage in activities to stimulate critical thinking, build self-confidence, and prepare for a future in higher education. During the first phase of the camp, activities will include hands-on workshops in all of the major scientific fields, and in the second phase, each student will focus on a specific area of scientific interest. With the guidance of a mentor, students will pursue individual science projects, which will be displayed to friends and family at a closing ceremony. Throughout camp, participants will also explore civic education topics and consider the importance of community involvement. Camp mentors, with the help of high-school aged volunteers, will lead the participants though a personalized learning experience.
Participating in the opening ceremony of the camp, the U.S. Consulate General’s Cultural Affairs Assistant, Dana Rassas praised Al Quds University for its dedication to developing the skills and imagination of Palestinian schoolchildren, and noted “the U.S. Consulate General is proud to be a part of this effort to help these children build a better future for all Palestinians. We hope this program has inspired these children.”
The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem prioritizes creating opportunities for Palestinian youth to learn new skills and participate in the building of the future state of Palestine. This summer, for example, the U.S. Consulate General and U.S. Government are supporting educational youth camps in Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, Hebron and Gaza in partnership with various Palestinian organizations.
# For more information please contact the U.S. Consulate’s Press Office at 02-622-6908 or 02-622-6909 or Information Assistant Hassna Dajani at 054-678-8455.
